Ideally, mountain bikes are perfect for anyone who loves to ride over undulating terrains – beyond just roads and streets. Just like off-roading cars, mountain bikes are designed for off-road cycling and offer extreme durability and high-performance. That is what makes their core different from regular bicycles.
If you are an adventure lover, then you can soak in the adrenaline rush while riding on your mountain bike. But for that, you first need to choose the one that suits you perfectly. With so many options readily available in the market, it can be pretty confusing to find the right kind of mountain bike for your specific needs. Yes, picking a mountain bike isn’t as easy as just going to the store and seeing what is available that fits your budget. You would need to consider a vast array of things.
To make your search easier and smoother, let us take a look at 10 of the best mountain bikes under $500.
Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Dollars
1. Schwinn High Timber – Best Mountain Bike Under $500
If you are looking out for a mountain bike for which you will not have to break the bank, then this one is a good option. This bike costs only around $230. It has the suspension that Schwinn is known for, which would make riding it on uneven terrain easy and comfortable. The seat can be easily shifted up or down depending on the height of the individual who is riding it. It comes in a vast array of colors like blue, silver, black, teal, gray, light purple, white, and blue and dark gray. The wheels are made of alloy which means they are sturdy. It has 21 speeds that make it easy to gain any speed and traction.
Reasons to buy:
- Comes in a wide variety of colors for all needs and wants
- 21-speed shifting capability
- Alloy rims for strength and tires perfect for all terrains
- Quick-release capability on the seat for easy adjustment
- Different frame and tire sizes available
Minor drawbacks:
- Requires a bit of assembly
- Slightly heavier than other models
2. Eurobike EURG4 – Best Cheap Mountain Bike Under 500 Dollars
If you wish to own a mountain bike that you can not only carry around but that you can also fold up, then this is the best one. It is 26 inches, and it has three spokes in each wheel along with 21 speeds that you can change from. The price is also extremely affordable, and it will set you back around $299, and it is perfect for adults up to 325 lbs. This is going to ride smoothly over all types of terrain no matter where you are heading. It is also ideal for anyone wanting something portable.
Reasons to buy:
- Rims with three spokes for more natural control
- Dual suspension with dual brakes
- Easy to move around
- Simple to fold up and carry around
- Excellent customer service for any problems faced
Minor drawbacks:
- Requires specific installation of the brakes to work properly after receiving it
- Some of the components might be of lower quality
3. Huffy Bicycle Company Huffy Hardtail – Best Mountain Bike For Advanced Riders
If you are targeting to get a bike that will be ready to hit the trails with you, then this option is going to be ideal. It costs around $129, which makes it extremely affordable and suitable for those who have a smaller budget than others. If you want, it comes in plenty of colors that you can choose from, such as metallic cyan, solar flare, red, purple, charcoal, and denim blue to fit any individual choice. The tires are Knobby, and they have the best traction in both dry and wet conditions.
Reasons to buy:
- Available in 6 and 21 speed
- Comes in 20″, 24″ and 26″ wheels
- A huge array of colors that you can pick and choose from
- Extremely affordable
Minor drawbacks:
- Needs a bit of assembly before you can ride it
- Not a good idea for inexperienced riders
4. Merax 26″ Mountain Bicycle with Suspension Fork
If you want the best and you have the money to spend, then this is an excellent option for you at $279.99. Aluminum is used to make the frame, and this makes it extremely lightweight and easy to carry and ride. It has a fork front suspension that has a high performance, and the wheels are 26″, and the chain is made of 110L steel. The frame itself is around 19″ in height, which is perfect for adults of any height who are looking for a bike that is easy to use.
Reasons to buy:
- 24 speeds
- Dual brake system for more natural braking
- Can hold up to 330 pounds
- Uses Shimano shifters
- 1-year warranty
Minor drawbacks:
- More expensive than other models
- Requires a bit more assembly than other models
- Might need some tuning after assembly before riding
5. Schwinn S29 Dual Suspension Mountain Bike
If you are taller and are looking for a frame that would work for you, then this one is ideal. It is perfect for those who are 5’9″ to 6’2″ and costs around $399. It has dual suspension as well with a front suspension fork along with the rear shock. It is 18″ in height, and the wheels are 29″. This bike is excellent for everyone who is looking for something to use that won’t be over the top while getting the best value for their money.
Reasons to buy:
- Lifetime warranty
- Quick-release front wheel and seat for more comfortable transportation
- Well packaged during shipping
- Perfect for riders who are just starting out
- Lightweight
- Works great in all weather conditions
Minor drawbacks:
- A primary seat that might require an upgrade
6. KENT KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
Another great and affordable option at $199.99. It is 26″ with a full suspension and aluminum MTB frame. It has 21 speeds you can choose from using a Shimano shifter and front as well as rear linear-pull brakes and alloy wheel rims. It is available in a wide range of designs and colors like trail blaster red, saber, road tech, red thruster, red formula, black, green, silver, and blue. It has 36 spokes in the wheels that make it great in terms of durability and strength.
Reasons to buy:
- Lightweight at 40 pounds
- Great design and variety of options
- Solid build
- Spring-loaded kickstand
Minor drawbacks:
- Might have to hire an expert to assemble it if you don’t know what you are doing
- The original seat might be uncomfortable
- Not ideal for people over 200 pounds
7. Gravity FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike Disc Brakes Acera Suntour
Most of us desire to have a bike of the highest quality – this one fits the bill perfectly for this requirement. It originally sells at $995, but you can get it on sale for around $409. The best part about this one is that you can get the bike in a solid black color but change up the colors in the wheels like red, green, and black. It comes in a variety of sizes from 15″, 17″, 19″ and even 21″ that would fit people of different heights.
Reasons to buy:
- Quick release for both back and front wheels
- Durable and strong
- Shifters are easy to use
- Front and rear adjustable suspension
- Weighs only 20 pounds
- Good customer service and replacement of broken parts during shipping
Minor drawbacks:
- Very expensive bike at $995 unless you get it on sale
- A bit of assembly is needed
- The shocks might need to be changed based on preferences
8. LOOCHO 21 Speed Foldable Mountain Bike
Another great folding mountain bike option is the Loocho one, and it is extremely easy for you to fold up and then carry around. It has 21 speeds that you can shift along with a dual disk braking system and dual suspension for a smooth ride and easy stopping. The size of MTB wheel size is some 26″, and the wheels have three spokes that have stickers you can remove. This is perfect if you want something you would be able to use on both the roads and in steep terrain.
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to transport in any vehicle
- Can be folded up for transportation
- Tools needed for assembly are included
- Steel frame
- Perfect for adults up to 300 pounds
- Great for off-road riding
Minor drawbacks:
- Assembly would be required
- Slightly expensive as compared to other similar options
9. EUROBIKE Full-Suspension Mountain Bike 21 Speed Bicycle
If you want an option where you can pick the type of wheels that you want, then this is great choice. You can choose between aluminum alloy rims and 3 spoke mag wheels. It is also an extremely affordable mountain bike at $339 with an excellent performance as well as design. The frame is 18″, and it can fit an adult who is 5’7″ to 6′ tall and up to 300 pounds in weight.
Reasons to buy:
- Stunning design
- High performance
- Extremely durable in all riding conditions
- Excellent customer service after purchasing the bike
- 21 shifters from Shimano
- dual disk brakes
- Mostly assembled when shipped
- Smooth ride
- Perfect for riders who are just starting out
Minor drawbacks:
- Only available in orange and black
- Need to assemble the handlebar, front wheel, pedals and inflate the tires
- Pedal threads different for the pedals
10. Dynacraft Slick Rock Trails 26″ Bike
If you are searching for a budget mountain bike, then this one is great since it is only $134.99 with full suspension. It also has Shimano grip shifters with 21 speeds and v brakes in the front as well as the rear. The seat post is also of quick release type, which makes changing it fast and easy. It comes with 26″ wheels that are perfect for enjoying the off-road riding that you can enjoy with this bike. This is definitely a great option if you are looking for a heavy-duty item that you can enjoy wherever you are going.
Reasons to buy:
- Very lightweight
- Padded seat
- Decently packaged
- Great for riders who are over 5’6″ in height
- Not ideal for younger riders, but perfect for adults who are looking for something simple to use
Minor drawbacks:
- Comes in only purple, white and silver
- Not ideal for shorter adults
- Hard to assemble if you do not know anything about bikes
- The front-wheel might not be straight
Tips for Selecting the Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
You are going to want to ensure that you are choosing the right mountain bike for all of your needs, and there is plenty that one is going to want to think about. You would want to know what you should be thinking about before you start the search so you can be aware of what you would want to be comparing and what you should be looking at. A few of the main factors that you should consider when you are starting to make a choice are the following:
Price – The first thing that you need to think about is the price. Fix the budget that you are willing to spend on the mountain bike. Once you have this in mind, then you can start to look at the options that would fit your needs and compare them to find the right one in terms of how much it costs and everything else.
Size – Also, ensure that you are looking at the recommendations regarding the size of the bike. Every company would let you know what they think the maximum height, as well as weight, is for each model. So, ensure that you are thinking about this when you are picking the right one.
Suspension – This is another important factor to consider since you want one that would be a smooth ride. Not only do you need to make sure it has the perfectly working suspension, but that it also has the right suspension method for your needs.
Usage – You would also need to think about the usage of the bikes that you are considering and which ones are going to be better for off-roading. See what others are saying about where they rode it and what their experience was. Also, consider how easy it was to ride it on the normal roads and in various weather conditions.
Brand – If there is a brand that you are partial to, then you are going to need to consider those models carefully. Think about which brand has a good reputation and what one would be great for your needs, which includes where you are going to ride it to and much more in terms of height, weight, usage, and more.
Weight – Also, you are going to want to think about what the recommendations are in terms of weight for the bike. There are different weight recommendations, so ensure that you are checking this out before you purchase any bike. This is extremely important, and you need to make sure you are doing this to find one that can hold the individual that you are purchasing for.
Height – If you are taller than normal, the next thing that you are going to want to make sure that you are looking is the height recommendations from the brand. They would know which heights are going to be perfect for their bikes and which ones would fit better. This should be checked for everyone, no matter how tall you might be to ensure you are getting the right fit.
Recommendations – Another thing that you are going to want to make sure that you are doing is getting recommendations from family and friends. Also, you can check out the online reviews from the sites where you are considering purchasing the mountain bike so you can see what others are saying. This would also let you know what they think about the bike and what their experience was when they got it, including how it was packed and much more.
Warranty – You are also going to need to think about and look at is the warranty on the mountain bike that you have. There are some bikes that would have a longer warranty than others, and there are also warranties that would cover certain items and not others. Look at the warranty and the terms carefully before you purchase anything to make sure that you are getting the best one for all of your requirements.
It is extremely important that you take all of these elements into consideration when you are looking at mountain bikes so that you can find the right one. You need to ensure that you are thinking about the size recommendations, the reviews, and even what the main usage for each option is going to be that would help you to make the right choice. If you don’t consider these, then there is a chance that you might be buying a bike that won’t fit your needs or that won’t fit you in terms of your height or weight.
Final Thoughts
You should look at all of the options that are available that would fit your needs, and these are just 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $500. These all have different factors that you would want to think about and would fit different individuals in various ways, including in terms of height, weight, and even usage. Make sure that you are comparing everything to find the ideal candidate for your requirements and your budget. These are just some of the top mountain bikes that are out there, and we have shared plenty of details for you to think about and consider when it comes to purchasing a bike.
There are so many mountain bikes that you would have to think about, and you need to consider everything that comes along with that. This means that you are going to have to consider the size of the bike as well as the price and even how much it weighs. These are all great options, so go ahead and purchase the one that would fit into your budget, size requirements, and even your transportation requirements. Ensure that you are also checking out the warranty that is being offered by the brand and exactly how long it would be for and what they are going to cover during that period.
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